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tIon Questions 1 The condition pulmonay fibrosis is caused by the replacement of

ID: 195847 • Letter: T

Question

tIon Questions 1 The condition pulmonay fibrosis is caused by the replacement of elastic fibers in the lung with inelastic collagen ibers which decreases the lungs distensibility (the ability to stretch outward). Would pulmonary fibrosis make fibers, inspiration or expiration difficult? Explain. 2 Certain chest deformities prevent normal expansion of the chest. Explain why this makes ventilation difficult in terms of pressure and volume. 3 A male patient presents with the following respiratory volumes and capacities: TV- 500 mL ERV -500 mL. RV 2,700 mL. What is this patient's VC? Are these values normal? ff not, are they more consistent with an obstructive or restrictive disease pattern? Explain. 23

Explanation / Answer

1.In this condition a progressive destruction of the alveoli takes place which makes breathing, especially exhalation, difficult. Normal expiration is passive which is dependent on elastic recoil of the lung tissue when the muscles relax. Therefore it would make expiration more difficult.

2. When we inhale or exhale, our lungs work by expanding and going back to their original size. The rib cage also expands so that the lungs can have more air inside and becomes easy for it to expand. Due to deformities, the rib cage might not expand and/or the diaphragm might not lower itself, which might lead to pressuring the lungs not to expand and having a lower volume of air inside. This leads to breathing difficulties.

3. The correct formula for solving this question is: VC = IRV + ERV + TV,

where VC is vital capacity,

IRV is inspiratory reserve volume,

ERV is expiratory reserve volume and

TV is tidal volume.

From the given information, TV =500, ERV =600 and the standard IRV for male is 2700ml, therefore,

VC= 2700+ 600 + 500 = 3800ml.